Blowing Rock Art & History Museum: Assistant Director
Employment Opportunities:
Now Accepting Applications for Assistant to the Director
Opportunity to assist the leadership team at a thriving high-country art museum
BRAHM (Blowing Rock Art & History Museum) seeks a strategic partner to help advance the mission and vision of the museum through support of the Executive Director and through leadership with membership and special events. The Assistant to the Director will ideally be an experienced professional who works well in an environment that values teamwork and collaboration. The Assistant to the Director will be a builder of relationships, outgoing, and engaged in the BRAHM and Blowing Rock communities to help cultivate support and strengthen the museum.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a strong and collaborative museum team. Membership development and event planning will be important components of this position requiring excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and multitasking. Fundraising in partnership with the Executive Director is a key component of the job, requiring collaboration and teamwork, and a genuine interest in people and the community.
The Assistant to the Director will join a passionate and talented staff and work closely with the Executive Director and the Board to develop fundraising and an annual plan, manage donor cultivation activity, membership programs, and sponsorships. The Assistant to the Director will find an eager and supportive Board and staff, and a friendly, relaxed work environment that values hard work and open communication. The High Country of North Carolina is rich with arts and “maker” traditions, beautiful mountains and four-season recreation. The Blowing Rock region is growing rapidly and is seeing an influx of potential new donors and supporters of BRAHM.
About BRAHM
BRAHM had its beginning in 1995 when early discussions about the need for an art museum in the community grew out of a local collector’s passion for work of noted artist and longtime area resident Elliott Daingerfield (1859-1932). The museum opened in 2011 providing cultural enrichment through presentations of contemporary and traditional fine art and craft experiences for its visitors. The museum comprises 25,000 sq. ft., a staff of 11, an annual budget of $820,000, and an endowment of $1.8 million. Gallery and exhibition space totals over 6,500 sq. ft and the Wilson Education Center, a lower-level studio workshop space, offers abundant, hands-on learning programs for aspiring artists of all ages. The collection of over 500 objects comprises 19th- and 20th- century American paintings, including a robust collection of American Impressionists, works on paper, traditional North Carolina pottery, and American Studio Craft. The collection is expected to grow significantly through planned gifts of an important collection of North Carolina ceramics and a significant collection of American Impressionist works.
The story of Appalachia remains a connecting thread joining the region, its artistic community and the greater world of art, past and present. The Daingerfield cottage is located on the museum’s grounds and serves as resident artists’ workspace managed by the Blowing Rock Historical Society, an important support base and relationship for the Museum. After its first 10 years, BRAHM is poised to strengthen its place in the region and community, to grow support and attendance, and advance programming. Budget growth will be key to expanding what is possible for exhibitions, the collection, education and other experiences. The Board of Trustees is eager to support these efforts and expand support for the Museum. For more information about BRAHM visit: www.blowingrockmuseum.org.
Overview of the Job, Qualifications and Responsibilities
The Assistant to the Director will report directly to the Executive Director and serves as part of the senior leadership team. This position oversees the development plan in close partnership with the Executive Director. Annual support of BRAHM comes from a combination of Trustee contributions, membership including the Daingerfield Society, annual fund contributions, grants, sponsorships and the gala, which provides over $100,000 annually. This position assists the process of donor cultivation and securing support through various development programs including individual giving, annual fund, membership, annual gala, sponsorships, legacy giving and other fundraising initiatives. Strong computer skills (including MS Office, Google Suite, Donor View database or similar software) and customer service skills are essential. Bachelor’s degree required; minimum 3 years of related experience is essential.